Greg Smith
Mongoose
I was considering using decal paper to put emblems on my Psi Corps mothership. Has anyone used it? How does it work? Which is best white or clear?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Has anyone used Decal Paper?
- Thread starter Greg Smith
- Start date
Captain_Nemo
Mongoose
I've tried it, the program i have was a kind of "gimmee" to get you to buy more advanced stuff, it came with the kit i bought. Microsoft paint is good enough btw.
Anyway, to your Q's:
use clear if you don't want white or very light grays in your decals. if you need white for anything use white.
basically you design, then print, then seal and, then cut out and apply the decal as normal.
For me it was like trying to paint eyes onto a 10mm miniature but I'm kind of a klutz. i am certain that with practice i would get better but i'd rather spend my time and money elsewhere.
I know people who can do it very well and, they say that they worked at it for while.
good luck!
Anyway, to your Q's:
use clear if you don't want white or very light grays in your decals. if you need white for anything use white.
basically you design, then print, then seal and, then cut out and apply the decal as normal.
For me it was like trying to paint eyes onto a 10mm miniature but I'm kind of a klutz. i am certain that with practice i would get better but i'd rather spend my time and money elsewhere.
I know people who can do it very well and, they say that they worked at it for while.
good luck!
Just one thing to note, you can't print white, so to get white emblems, this leaves you with a few options.
Print the emblem on white paper, trim close, and let set well. Then go back over the white overlap outside the emblem with the base coat paint.
Print the emblem on clear paper, leaving the white area open. Place the decal on the ship with white paint on the hull underneath. Then, go over the white overlap area with more base color, and let the white show through.
It is very, very tough to print a black outline on white paper and be able to trim it close enough to be convincing without leaving too much white or making the black outlines look wobbly. Trim close, and then line it with base color.
Whatever you do, if you're using decals, use something like Micro Sol/Set solution for best adhesion and shrinkage to the mini. Then, seal well. Testors Dullcoat lacquor works well, looks great, and is super tough. Use 2 coats.
As noted above, Microsoft Paint is plenty good for most things. One word of caution: Try a sample decal on a test mini first. NOT ALL PRINTER INKS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH DECAL PAPER. NOT ALL PRINTER INKS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH DULLCOAT LACQUOR.
Ask me how I know?!!! One ruined ace perfectly painted text book Hyperion later (with nasty ruined wrinkly decal plastic and runny ink), I just bought the decals from Griffon Games. They're crisp, clear, and work great.
Tom
Print the emblem on white paper, trim close, and let set well. Then go back over the white overlap outside the emblem with the base coat paint.
Print the emblem on clear paper, leaving the white area open. Place the decal on the ship with white paint on the hull underneath. Then, go over the white overlap area with more base color, and let the white show through.
It is very, very tough to print a black outline on white paper and be able to trim it close enough to be convincing without leaving too much white or making the black outlines look wobbly. Trim close, and then line it with base color.
Whatever you do, if you're using decals, use something like Micro Sol/Set solution for best adhesion and shrinkage to the mini. Then, seal well. Testors Dullcoat lacquor works well, looks great, and is super tough. Use 2 coats.
As noted above, Microsoft Paint is plenty good for most things. One word of caution: Try a sample decal on a test mini first. NOT ALL PRINTER INKS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH DECAL PAPER. NOT ALL PRINTER INKS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH DULLCOAT LACQUOR.
Ask me how I know?!!! One ruined ace perfectly painted text book Hyperion later (with nasty ruined wrinkly decal plastic and runny ink), I just bought the decals from Griffon Games. They're crisp, clear, and work great.
Tom
Greg Smith
Mongoose
Thanks. I decided to just paint the Psi symbol on in the end. It ain't perfect, but it was quicker, easier and cheaper. 
And I have to agree the Griffon transfers are great.
And I have to agree the Griffon transfers are great.
Bubba Ho-Tep
Mongoose
It also helps to use a gloss coat under to decals. This also them to slide a little when trying to get them into the right place.
